Pollok Utd 2 vs 4 Greenock HSFP Black

League Cup semi-final action yesterday away to Pollok, and we knew it would be a tough game after our narrow 2-1 win up there earlier in the season.

It was a nervy start, with half chances at both ends, but nothing that really troubled either keeper.

We took the lead after around 10 minutes when Kaiden smashed a shot that was brilliantly saved by the Pollok keeper, but Aaron was first to react and bravely threw himself at it and somehow managed to bundle the ball over the line. Great determination. 1-0.

Pollok then took control of the game, mainly through the middle of the park. They had some really skilful players and we struggled to contain them at times. They got their equaliser on 15 minutes when their winger got to the byline and crossed for a simple tap-in. A well-worked goal to be fair to them. 1-1.

Pollok then took the lead a few minutes later with a superb strike from distance into the top corner, giving Shammy no chance. 1-2.

We were up against it at that point, but the defence worked really hard and stayed strong to keep them out.

On the half-hour mark we got ourselves back level, a bit against the run of play to be honest. Kaiden was brought down in the box and he stepped up to take the penalty. The keeper made a good save, but Kaiden reacted quickest to tuck home the rebound. 2-2 at half-time.

It had been a really nervy first half given the circumstances, and us coaches probably needed to be a bit more of a calming influence from the sidelines too. But we asked the boys for a reaction at half-time and we certainly got one.

We started the second half well and really began to get a grip of the game, with Kieran heavily involved in the middle of the park, driving us forward and creating chances.

We took the lead on 55 minutes when a Kieran corner was met at the back post by Taylor, who got up well and put it back into a dangerous area, and Dylan rose brilliantly to head home with power. 3-2.

We kept plugging away and created several decent chances, with Mure unlucky to see a couple of efforts well saved by the keeper.

Fully in control at that stage, we extended our lead with a great solo goal from Mure, who beat two or three defenders before firing into the bottom corner. 4-2.

With that two-goal cushion, we saw the game out well. Pollok had a few attempts, but the defence were solid and dealt with everything that came their way to secure a 4-2 win.

A game of two halves, but overall I thought we deserved it on the day. Pollok are a really good side with some excellent players, so it took a lot of hard work defensively to get this one over the line.

This sets us up for a final against Johnstone Burgh on Saturday 23rd May, with the venue still to be confirmed.

Goals:

Aaron ??

Kaiden ??

Dylan ??

Mure ??

Coaches’ MotM: Jay ?? A rock once again at the heart of the defence, winning absolutely every header and tackle. As I said yesterday, Jay has set such a high standard for himself this season, both in games and at training. He’s absolutely flying at the minute.

P.S. Hope wee Bob is okay. He took a sore one midway through the second half but played on to help the team see out the win. Team-minded as always ??